Marion pays tribute to 9/11

Army Sgt. Terry Long, a Forest High School graduate, walks with a few hundred people during the City of Belleview annual Freedom Walk Tuesday night, September 11, 2013 at at the Belleview City Hall Park. "I was in Germany on 911. It was life changing for sure," Long said. A brief remembrance was held to honor the First Responders, including both fire fighters and police officers. The Freedom Walk then commenced as people walked through the residential streets for about a mile in honor of those that gave their lives.

Published: Wednesday, September 11, 2013 at 8:33 p.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, September 11, 2013 at 8:33 p.m.

A little more red, white and blue than usual could be found around Marion County on Wednesday, as the area's residents chose to honor the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in a way they believed most fitting.

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Students at Forest High School — many too young to remember the attacks — provided a somber and fitting tribute to those lost, while Summerfield worshippers prayed for America and Belleview walked for freedom after honoring first responders.

Wednesday marked the 12th anniversary of the terrorist attack that left smoldering devastation in three states and spawned American overseas involvement in both Afghanistan and Iraq.

The anniversary comes at a time when America is considering a targeted military strike in Syria after President Barack Obama pointed to use of chemical weapons as a game changer in the ongoing civil war there.

"For many of us here today, 9/11 will be forever remembered for the fears we had to face that day and the tears we cried for those that we lost," said algebra teacher David Kwiakowshki outside Forest High on Wednesday morning.

He reminded his audience of parents, teachers and students what happened on Sept, 11, 2001, and its residual aftermath: the economic, military and legislative impacts and the more personal impact on children who are now growing up without a mother or father.

Kwiakowshki's remarks were followed by the raising of the flag to half-staff by the Flag Detail and a simulated 21-gun salute by the rifle team. Principal Brent Carson and the Wreath Guard placed a red, white and blue circle of artificial flowers under the flag pole, and a prerecorded version of taps was played, followed by Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA." The ceremony lasted 15 minutes and included about 75 of the group's 400 cadets.

"I think if we forget, then the terrorist wins," said Junior ROTC instructor Charles Elder, who is a retired master sergeant with the U.S. Air Force.

"When you look at us, you'll remember," said 10th-grader Emma Robles, 15, before the ceremony. Emma is a second-year cadet and hopes to join the Air Force one day.

"Over 2,000 people died that day and it needs to be remembered in history," said senior Gregory Northrup, 17.

Northrup said no other events were planned during the school day to remember Sept. 11, but the school would take on a "solemn state."

This is the 12th year the school has honored the loss of life, and each year the ceremony has grown a little longer, according to school district spokesman Kevin Christian.

"Twelve years, it goes by pretty quick, but a lot of people forget," said Michael Ankiewicz, 51, a retired Marine veteran. On Wednesday he bustled around the parking lot as a proud parent, photographing daughter Erika, 15, a second-year cadet who took part in the ceremony. He also took some time to reflect on a recent overseas threat.

Tuesday evening, President Obama told the American people in a televised address about his threat for a targeted military strike in Syria, calling evidence of chemical weapons use in the country on Aug. 21 a tipping point in the country's ongoing civil war.

But Obama did say he would postpone asking for congressional approval until recently announced diplomatic talks concluded.

Obama called the U.S. "an anchor of global security" in his address, and said this had made the world a better place. He hopes a strike in Syria would show Assad and the world that chemical weapons use — a crime against humanity — would not be tolerated.

Although Obama chose to deliver his speech on the eve of Sept. 11, he failed to mention the day's significance. He did reference its military aftermath — assuring Americans his involvement in Syria would not call for ground troops or become prolonged like Afghanistan and Iraq.

Polls show the country is divided on whether the government should take action in Syria.

"9/11 wouldn't affect my decision whether we should be involved in Syria or not," said Ankiewicz, while watching his daughter prepare for the morning ceremony. He called the situation "totally different," citing the chemical weapons use.

Junior ROTC instructor Bronislaw Baranowski, a retired lieutenant colonel with the Air Force, had a different take.

"I think that (Syria) has brought back a lot of the memories of 9/11," he said after the ceremony. "Hopefully we can resolve that without military involvement."

Baranowski highlighted the importance of remembering 9/11, especially when the younger generation might not recall the events as vividly as those who lived it.

Emma Robels said she didn't recall the specific events of Sept. 11 until Junior ROTC refreshed her memory.

"They need to understand what it is that the U.S. stands for," Baranowski said. "We've been, for 12 years, at war. It's a fight against those who want to end our way of life."

During a prayer event inside the Village View Community Church in Summerfield, Jim Johnson, 71 and his wife, Joyce, 68, shared their thoughts.

"The nation needs to turn back to God," said Villages resident Jim Johnson. After the Benghazi attack that left a U.S. ambassador dead, Johnson said he finds it difficult to completely trust President Obama, recalling the military's motto that nobody gets left behind. "They were left behind," said Johnson, a Navy veteran.

Joyce Johnson looked back on President George W. Bush's leadership in the aftermath of Sept. 11. "I thank God every day he was in control," she said.

The couple admitted to not knowing every detail of the situation in Syria, but said solid proof of chemical weapon use would help them to decide whether the military should become involved in Syria.

Later Wednesday evening, more than 200 gathered at Belleview City Hall Park to honor the first responders and then participate in a walk for freedom down residential streets.

"The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, caused more law enforcement line of duty deaths than any other single incident in American history." Strickland said. "We pay tribute to the law enforcement officers representing 10 different agencies who died as a direct result of the attacks."

Blair pointed out that, while the tragic day is the worst America has seen, it brought out the best in its citizens.

Graham and McElhaney reminded the audience that the impact is personal for many in Marion County; both have sons currently serving in the military. Kyle McElhaney, 25, is a graduate of Forest High and currently serving in the Air Force as a 2nd lieutenant stationed in New Mexico. Air Force Senior Airman Tyler Graham, 22, is currently stationed in Afghanistan.

Chief Graham reflected on all the innocent lives lost on Sept. 11 and asked the audience to pray; including a prayer for his son, who is expected to return home in November.

<p>A little more red, white and blue than usual could be found around Marion County on Wednesday, as the area's residents chose to honor the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in a way they believed most fitting.</p><p>Students at Forest High School — many too young to remember the attacks — provided a somber and fitting tribute to those lost, while Summerfield worshippers prayed for America and Belleview walked for freedom after honoring first responders.</p><p>Wednesday marked the 12th anniversary of the terrorist attack that left smoldering devastation in three states and spawned American overseas involvement in both Afghanistan and Iraq.</p><p>The anniversary comes at a time when America is considering a targeted military strike in Syria after President Barack Obama pointed to use of chemical weapons as a game changer in the ongoing civil war there.</p><p>"For many of us here today, 9/11 will be forever remembered for the fears we had to face that day and the tears we cried for those that we lost," said algebra teacher David Kwiakowshki outside Forest High on Wednesday morning.</p><p>He reminded his audience of parents, teachers and students what happened on Sept, 11, 2001, and its residual aftermath: the economic, military and legislative impacts and the more personal impact on children who are now growing up without a mother or father.</p><p>Kwiakowshki's remarks were followed by the raising of the flag to half-staff by the Flag Detail and a simulated 21-gun salute by the rifle team. Principal Brent Carson and the Wreath Guard placed a red, white and blue circle of artificial flowers under the flag pole, and a prerecorded version of taps was played, followed by Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA." The ceremony lasted 15 minutes and included about 75 of the group's 400 cadets.</p><p>"I think if we forget, then the terrorist wins," said Junior ROTC instructor Charles Elder, who is a retired master sergeant with the U.S. Air Force.</p><p>"When you look at us, you'll remember," said 10th-grader Emma Robles, 15, before the ceremony. Emma is a second-year cadet and hopes to join the Air Force one day.</p><p>"Over 2,000 people died that day and it needs to be remembered in history," said senior Gregory Northrup, 17.</p><p>Northrup said no other events were planned during the school day to remember Sept. 11, but the school would take on a "solemn state."</p><p>This is the 12th year the school has honored the loss of life, and each year the ceremony has grown a little longer, according to school district spokesman Kevin Christian.</p><p>"Twelve years, it goes by pretty quick, but a lot of people forget," said Michael Ankiewicz, 51, a retired Marine veteran. On Wednesday he bustled around the parking lot as a proud parent, photographing daughter Erika, 15, a second-year cadet who took part in the ceremony. He also took some time to reflect on a recent overseas threat.</p><p>Tuesday evening, President Obama told the American people in a televised address about his threat for a targeted military strike in Syria, calling evidence of chemical weapons use in the country on Aug. 21 a tipping point in the country's ongoing civil war.</p><p>But Obama did say he would postpone asking for congressional approval until recently announced diplomatic talks concluded.</p><p>Obama called the U.S. "an anchor of global security" in his address, and said this had made the world a better place. He hopes a strike in Syria would show Assad and the world that chemical weapons use — a crime against humanity — would not be tolerated.</p><p>Although Obama chose to deliver his speech on the eve of Sept. 11, he failed to mention the day's significance. He did reference its military aftermath — assuring Americans his involvement in Syria would not call for ground troops or become prolonged like Afghanistan and Iraq.</p><p>Polls show the country is divided on whether the government should take action in Syria.</p><p>"9/11 wouldn't affect my decision whether we should be involved in Syria or not," said Ankiewicz, while watching his daughter prepare for the morning ceremony. He called the situation "totally different," citing the chemical weapons use.</p><p>Junior ROTC instructor Bronislaw Baranowski, a retired lieutenant colonel with the Air Force, had a different take.</p><p>"I think that (Syria) has brought back a lot of the memories of 9/11," he said after the ceremony. "Hopefully we can resolve that without military involvement."</p><p>Baranowski highlighted the importance of remembering 9/11, especially when the younger generation might not recall the events as vividly as those who lived it.</p><p>Emma Robels said she didn't recall the specific events of Sept. 11 until Junior ROTC refreshed her memory.</p><p>"They need to understand what it is that the U.S. stands for," Baranowski said. "We've been, for 12 years, at war. It's a fight against those who want to end our way of life."</p><p>During a prayer event inside the Village View Community Church in Summerfield, Jim Johnson, 71 and his wife, Joyce, 68, shared their thoughts.</p><p>"The nation needs to turn back to God," said Villages resident Jim Johnson. After the Benghazi attack that left a U.S. ambassador dead, Johnson said he finds it difficult to completely trust President Obama, recalling the military's motto that nobody gets left behind. "They were left behind," said Johnson, a Navy veteran.</p><p>Joyce Johnson looked back on President George W. Bush's leadership in the aftermath of Sept. 11. "I thank God every day he was in control," she said.</p><p>The couple admitted to not knowing every detail of the situation in Syria, but said solid proof of chemical weapon use would help them to decide whether the military should become involved in Syria.</p><p>Later Wednesday evening, more than 200 gathered at Belleview City Hall Park to honor the first responders and then participate in a walk for freedom down residential streets.</p><p>Taking part in the ceremony were Belleview Police Chief Lee Strickland, Marion County Fire Chief Stuart McElhaney, Ocala Police Chief Greg Graham and Marion County Sheriff Chris Blair, all of whom shared their thoughts after Mayor Christine Dobkowski.</p><p>"The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, caused more law enforcement line of duty deaths than any other single incident in American history." Strickland said. "We pay tribute to the law enforcement officers representing 10 different agencies who died as a direct result of the attacks."</p><p>Blair pointed out that, while the tragic day is the worst America has seen, it brought out the best in its citizens.</p><p>Graham and McElhaney reminded the audience that the impact is personal for many in Marion County; both have sons currently serving in the military. Kyle McElhaney, 25, is a graduate of Forest High and currently serving in the Air Force as a 2nd lieutenant stationed in New Mexico. Air Force Senior Airman Tyler Graham, 22, is currently stationed in Afghanistan.</p><p>Chief Graham reflected on all the innocent lives lost on Sept. 11 and asked the audience to pray; including a prayer for his son, who is expected to return home in November.</p><p>Contact April Warren at 867-4065 or april.warren@ocala.com.</p>